The capital is in a spin because that time has come round again: it is derby weekend – and with a European spot to contend for, the stakes are even higher.
Bragging rights went to Lazio when the teams first met this season. A victory on his derby debut for Vladimir Petkovic consigned Zdenek Zeman's side to a fifth loss since his summer return to the AS Roma bench. The Bohemian's position was already on shaky ground.
Now at the helm is Aurelio Andreazzoli, who is winning over the trust of all those who hold the Giallorossi close to their hearts.
Until last weekend, AS Roma were regarded as favourites to triumph in Monday night's showdown following a five-match unbeaten run.
Then just as they had drawn level with Lazio in the table, there was the slump at Palermo. A defeat that the coach must use as an example of how best not to approach the derby.
With third place – and Champions League possibilities – 10 points off in the distance, success over their city rivals would spur Francesco Totti and his team-mates in their bid to capture a top five finish – a prize currently held by Lazio…
Who, instead of coming into the match low in confidence arrive buoyed after they halted a slide of three straight defeats with victory over Catania.
The team was visibly lifted by the return of talisman Miroslav Klose when Petkovic threw the striker into the fray after almost two months out through injury.
The second league meeting of the season for the capital rivals gives AS Roma a chance to get even or for Lazio to double up.
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